By: Mark Wasik
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KENNESAW, Ga. - Kennesaw State's
Manu Johnsen,
Leah Freeman,
Kourtney Brown and
Kaeley Walz were all named to the CSC (College Sports Communicators) Academic All-District team, it was announced by the national organization on Tuesday. In addition, Johnsen was advanced to the national ballot for Academic All-America honors, which will be announced next month. This is the third straight academic district honor for Johnsen, and the second-straight for both Freeman and Brown, while Walz was recognized for the first time in her career.
Student-athletes must be in at least their second season, hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 and be a starter or important reserve to be eligible for the CSC Academic All-District teams.
The four Owls were named after helping the Owls to a top-90 finish as they posted a 19-9 overall record, finished third in Conference USA play at 12-4, and reached the semifinals of a conference tournament for the 11th straight season.
A senior outside hitter from Copenhagen, Denmark, Johnsen made her mark on the Kennesaw State record book as she broke the school record for career kills, which now stands at 1,584 in her four years wearing the Black and Gold. She also set the new school standard for most points in a career with 1808,5, while her 141 career service aces are also the second-highest ever by an Owl, and the most by a four-year player. She led CUSA in points per set this season at 4.71, which also ranks her 47th in the nation, while her kills per set average of 4.08 was second-best in CUSA and 51st overall nationally. Johnsen also is second in CUSA and 47th in the nation with 0.42 aces per set, and set a new KSU single game record earlier this season with nine aces in a win at Middle Tennessee.
This week's honor adds to her impressive haul this season, which also includes being named AVCA Honorable Mention All-District, All-CUSA First Team and CUSA All-Academic. She graduates this week from KSU with a degree in biology and finished with a 4.0 GPA entering her final semester.
Freeman was the starting libero in all 28 games for the Owls. A native of Lake City, Tenn., the senior had another strong season, finished with 331 digs while also posting 100 assists and also passed the 1,000 career dig mark, totaling 1,037 in her four seasons with the Black and Gold. Majoring in journalism & emerging media interest, she holds a 3.81 cum GPA.
Brown, a redshirt junior from Birmingham, Ala., split time as the Owls' setter this year in their 6-2 formation along with Walz. Brown would finish the season with 453 assists for the year for a 4.49 aps average, and also was a strong server. Brown was fourth on the team in service aces with 22, an average of 0.22 per set. A marketing major, she holds a 3.62 cum GPA.
Walz, a sophomore from Louisville, Ky., turned in a strong season for KSU with a team-high 673 assists (6.41 aps). She was big for the Owls behind the service line as well, adding 33 for the year, an average of 0.31 saps. Walz also made an impact defensively, ranking third in digs on the Owls with 1.68 per set. Undecided on her major, she has a 3.70 cum GPA.
The Owls Fund
The Owls Fund is the primary fundraising arm of Kennesaw State Athletics with the goal of supporting our student-athletes, coaches and each of our 18 NCAA Division I programs. Through initiatives such as Legacy Lockers, the Dot Martin Scholarship Golf Classic, sport-specific giving opportunities, general donations and season tickets, The Owls Fund connects fans with KSU's programs and student-athletes. Members receive exclusive benefits such as hospitality seating areas and events at Kennesaw State home games, and more. Join The Owls Fund here and discover more opportunities on how you can support Kennesaw State Athletics.
